Unit 1: Introduction to Computer System

Minimum 1 Question

Mostly

5 to 6 marks

Head and Tail question

Questions Sample
 Introduction to Computer Systems
 Introduction to computers

 Architecture of digital computer

 Central Processing Unit

 Memory system: Primary memory, Secondary memory

 Inputs devices

 Output devices

 Computer software: System Software, Application Software and Utility Software

 Operating Systems

 Generations of computers

 Applications of computers.
Introduction to Computer
A computer is an electronic device that receives input from the user through input devices,
processes the data using its central processing unit (CPU), and provides meaningful output to
the user through output devices.

User

Raw data CPU

Input Process Output
Displays
 Classification of Computers
 Based on Size

 Based on Purpose

 Based on Capability
 Classification Based on Size
The physical size and capacity of the computer.

Types:

 Supercomputer: Extremely fast and powerful, used for complex scientific calculations (e.g., weather
forecasting, simulations).

 Mainframe: Large systems used in banks, airlines, and big organizations for bulk data processing.

 Minicomputer: Smaller than mainframes, used by medium-sized businesses; now mostly replaced by
servers.

 Microcomputer: Also known as personal computers (PCs); includes desktops, laptops, tablets.

 Embedded Systems: Tiny computers inside devices like washing machines, cars, or smart TVs, made for
specific tasks.
 Classification Based on Capability
This is about the processing power and performance level.

Types:

 Analog Computer: Processes data in a continuous form (e.g., older speedometers, temperature control
systems).

 Digital Computer: Works with binary data (0s and 1s); most modern computers fall under this category.

 Hybrid Computer: Combines features of both analog and digital; used in hospitals and scientific applications.
 Classification Based on Purpose
This is about what the computer is designed to do.

Types:

 General Purpose: Can perform a variety of tasks, like word processing, gaming, browsing, etc. (e.g., PCs,
laptops).

 Special Purpose: Designed for one specific task (e.g., ATM machines, industrial robots, calculators).
 Major Parts of Computer System

Hardware Software

In General Computer System has two major parts:

 Hardware: Physical part of computer. Examples: Monitor, Mouse, etc.

 Software: Part of computer which do not have any physical existence. It is basically set of programs.
Examples: Ms Word, Teams, etc.
Computer Components & Functionality

Input Devices
Tools like keyboards, mouse, and scanners that allow users to
feed data into the computer system for processing.

Processing Unit
The brain of the computer that interprets instructions and
performs calculations, handling all computational tasks.

Output Devices
Components like monitors and printers that convey the results
of computations to the user in a readable format.

Storage
Memory systems (both primary and secondary) that store data
and programs for short-term and long-term use.
What is architecture
 Structural organization of computer system

 How components interact to process data and execute instruction

 Blueprint for the design of a computer

 Everything has its own architecture like car, building etc. Similarly computer has its own architecture.
 Architecture of a Digital Computer
The architecture is commonly based on the Von Neumann Architecture
CPU

Memory Unit

Control Unit
Input Unit Output Unit

ALU

Secondary storage devices

1) Input Unit:

Function: Accepts data and instructions from external sources (e.g., keyboard, mouse).

Role: Converts user-friendly input into a machine-readable format and sends it to the CPU for processing.

2) CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The brain of the computer. It includes three major sub-components:

a. Memory Unit
 Function: Stores data, instructions, and results temporarily.
 Types: Can include RAM (for current tasks) and ROM (for permanent instructions).
 In Von Neumann Architecture: Both data and instructions are stored in the same memory.

b. Control Unit (CU)

 Function: Directs the operation of the processor.
 Role: Fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and tells the ALU and memory how to act.
 Acts like: A traffic controller.

c. ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

 Function: Executes arithmetic (addition, subtraction) and logical operations (comparisons).
 Works in coordination with: Control Unit to process data.
3) Output Unit

 Function: Converts processed data from the CPU into a human-readable format (e.g., display on screen,
print).

 Examples: Monitor, printer, speakers.

4) Secondary Storage Devices

 Function: Provides long-term storage for data and programs (non-volatile).

 Examples: Hard disks, SSDs, USB drives.

 In diagram: Data can go to/from secondary storage independently of input/output or the CPU.
 Input Devices
Input devices feed data and instructions into a computer.

They act as communication bridges between the user and the computer system.

Different input devices:

 Keyboard
 Mouse
 Light pen
 Scanner
 Microphone
 Barcode Reader, etc
 Keyboard
It is used to enter data into a computer or other electronic devices. It is primarily used for typing
text, commands, and controlling functions.
 Mouse
 It is a pointing input device that lets users interact with a computer's graphical user interface (GUI).

 It controls the movement of the cursor (pointer) on the screen and allows users to execute
commands through clicks and movements.
 Light Pen
It is a specialized input device that looks like a pen and is used to interact directly with the screen of
a computer.
 Scanner
 It is used to captures physical images, text, or documents and converts them into
digital form.

 It essentially "scans" a physical item, such as a paper document, and turns it into a
digital image or a document that can be edited, stored, or transmitted electronically.
 Microphone
It is used to capture sound (usually in the form of speech, music, or other noises) and convert it into
an electrical signal that can be processed by a computer or other electronic systems.
 Bar Code Reader
It is used to scan and read barcodes, which are unique patterns of parallel lines (or
sometimes squares or dots) that represent data.
 Processing
 The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for carrying out instructions of a computer program by
performing basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations.

 Also called as brain of the computer

 It is generally composed of three major sub components: memory unit, control unit and arithmetic logic
unit
 Components of CPU
Smallest
Memory Unit
Registers
Fastest
Ultra-fast temporary storage
Storage
Primary
Memory
Cache Memory
High-speed intermediary storage
Speed
Main Memory
Slower than cache memory but faster than storage devices

Secondary Memory Largest

stores data and programs that are not currently in use

Slowest
Control Unit
Fetch
Retrieves instructions from memory.

Decode
Interprets the instruction.

Execute
Performs the operation.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Arithmetic Operations Logical Operations

Addition, subtraction, AND, OR, NOT, XOR.
multiplication, division.
Example

CU ALU

2+2
4

Input Memory Output

Summary of class

 What is computer?

 Von Neumann Architecture

 Input Devices

 CPU: memory unit, control unit and ALU

 Output Unit
Upcoming class

 Primary memory

 Secondary memory

 Output devices

 Software

 Operating System

 Generations of computers

 Applications of computers